Monarch Butterfly - State Insect of Texas
Below is a copy of the text of the statute passed by the 74th Texas Legislature designating the Monarch Butterfly as the official State Insect of Texas. House Concurrent Resolution 94, 74th Legislature, Regular Session (1995)
By Wohlgemuth, Hunter of Taylor, Patterson H.C.R. No. 94 74R6105 KMP-D HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION WHEREAS, The State of Texas has traditionally recognized a variety of official state symbols that embody the proud spirit and rich heritage of our state; and WHEREAS, The bluebonnet, the Guadalupe bass, and the mockingbird are examples of natural specimens that serve to symbolize the great diversity of the Texas landscape, while the state dish, chili, fittingly represents another aspect of our shared culture as Texans; and WHEREAS, In keeping with this custom, the designation of the monarch butterfly as the official State Insect of Texas will provide suitable recognition for this regal inhabitant of the Lone Star State; and WHEREAS, The monarch butterfly, known to scientists as Danaus plexippus, is a familiar and thrilling sight to Texans who play host to this beautiful insect each year as it travels southward toward the equator; its distinctive rust-colored wings, marked by black veins and two rows of white spots, make the monarch butterfly instantly recognizable to all; and WHEREAS, This stately creature is also renowned for its unique ability to evade predators; its main source of nourishment, the milkweed plant, contains a form of poison that makes the monarch butterfly unpalatable to birds and other hungry critters; and WHEREAS, Like Texas, the monarch butterfly has inspired imitators but remains in a league all its own; the viceroy butterfly, whose wings closely resemble those of the monarch, manages to avoid being eaten by relying on the reputation of its more deadly cousin; and WHEREAS, One of the heartiest and most resolute members of the insect kingdom, the monarch butterfly migrates nearly 2,000 miles southward each year in its quest to find a warmer home for the winter, descending on the State of Texas for one last rest and feeding before it embarks on the final leg of its journey to the mountains of Mexico; and WHEREAS, The Lone Star State also holds the distinction of being the birthplace of this imperial insect; each spring the skies over Texas are filled with excitement and color as many thousands of these tiny creatures return to the site of their own nativity to give birth to a new generation; and WHEREAS, Recognizing this butterfly's great affinity for our state, the National Monarch Project has designated the Abilene Zoological Gardens as the first official sanctuary along the eastern migration path, and Texans everywhere can take immense pride in the special tie that we share with this magnificent creature; and WHEREAS, The monarch butterfly is as beautiful and memorable as a Texas sunset, soaring above all other insects in its nobility and determination, and its unique relationship with Texas makes it a truly appropriate symbol of the majestic spirit of the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the 74th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby designate the monarch butterfly as the official State Insect of Texas.
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